In a post on X today, Elon Musk alluded to the next Gen2 Starlink Satellites that Musk says”will be so big that only Starship can launch them”.
According to Musk, this will allow for a 10x increase in bandwidth and that the satellites will also be able to be deployed at a lower altitude thereby allowing for faster latency.
In order to provide for this development SpaceX has requested that the US Federal Communications Commission FCC allow “several small but meaningful updates” to its 2nd-generation Starlink network.
“Together, this modification and its companion amendment will enable the Gen2 system to deliver gigabit-speed, truly low-latency broadband and ubiquitous mobile connectivity to all Americans and the billions of people globally who still lack access to adequate broadband.” Stated Musk
The request includes lowering the altitude of three Starlink satellite shells by 45 and 60 km.
SpaceX also wants the Starlink satellites to be allowed to harness the E-band radio frequencies to help better deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband to users, including through fixed satellite dishes and mobile equipment.
“The upgraded Gen2 system will feature enhanced hardware that can use higher gain and more advanced beamforming and digital processing technologies and provide more targeted and robust coverage – These upgraded satellites can maximize the use of the available bandwidth, enabling more efficient allocation of resources and facilitating a broader range of services.”
No Timeline for their deployment has been released yet but developments are indicating there should be new Gen2 launches soon.
Gen2 Starlink satellites will be launched with Starship that had a successful and historic launch and booster rocket landing this past week.
SpaceX has gone through a process of deorbiting older or non-maneuverable earlier in 2024 and has also had a major focus on reducing latency. The Gen2 satellites will assist with both as they will have a longer lifespan and allow for fewer to be required to cover geographic areas.
SpaceX has the capacity to build up to 55 satellites per week and launch more than 200 satellites per month, which allows them to continually improve the Starlink system and make it more resilient, while increasing access to high-speed, low-latency internet for more people all around the world
